2. Methods
Study design
A descriptive qualitative research design from a social-constructivist
position was employed in the current study 10.
Qualitative research designs have been employed to inform the
development of Internet-based mental health programs (e.g., capturing
the experiences of those who will participate in the program,
identifying program components, directing levels of program engagement)11-12.
Participants
Three groups of participants were recruited for the study: (1) children
with CF, (2) parents of children with CF, and (3) HCPs of children with
CF. All participants were recruited from regional CF clinics. Child
eligibility criteria included: (1) aged 7 to 18 years old; (2) CF
diagnosis, and (3) spoke and read English. Child exclusion criteria
included: (1) severe cognitive impairment and (2) major comorbid medical
or psychiatric illness. Parents of children with CF were eligible if
they spoke and read English. HCPs of children with CF were eligible if
they were: (1) working with CF for a minimum of one year and (2) spoke
and read English.
Written informed consent was obtained from adult participants. Parent
caregivers provided written consent on behalf of their child and the
children provided verbal assent. Ethics approval was provided by
university and regional health authority research ethics boards.
Materials
Interview guides. The interview questions (see Table 1) were
informed by the research objectives and the existing literature13, combined with the clinical experience of the
research team. Follow-up questions were asked to allow participants to
elaborate on their responses. Interviewing techniques (e.g.,
establishing rapport, active listening) were employed14.
Procedure
Individual semi-structured interviews were completed by the first
author, either face-to-face or over the phone. When requested, parents
were present during the child interviews. Individual interviews were
also conducted with parents and HCPs of children with CF. Interviews
ranged from 30 to 90 minutes in length. All interviews were audio-taped
and field notes were made during the interviews. All participants were
offered a $25 cash honorarium for their participation.